The UPEI Student Union, in partnership with the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations, and 23 other Student Unions across the country, launched a non-partisan campaign Tuesday called “Get Out The Vote”.
This effort will mobilize the student vote in the upcoming election and reduce voter apathy through democratic engagement. On a local level, the UPEI Student Union will be partnering with the Young Voters of Prince Edward Island to engage youth outside of the campus community as well.
Vice-President Academic and External at the UPEI Student Union Johnathan Rix said “only 38.8 per cent of voters aged 18-24 voted in the 2011 election.”
“We are working with several other campuses across the country, as well as the Young Voters of P.E.I. to increase the voter turnout of the millennial generation.”
Rix said student voting will be convenient as UPEI and Holland College will have polling stations from Oct. 5-8 allowing students to vote for candidates in their home riding.
“We are very glad to see Elections Canada taking steps to make voting easier for students,” he added.
“Once school begins on Sept. 8, the UPEI Student Union will be encouraging students to sign a form and pledge to vote. With the collected information, they will contact students on Oct. 5 and 19 to ensure students are exercising their right to vote.”